Tanzania Kicks Off Election Campaigns Without Main Opposition Party CHADEMA on the Ballot, What Does It Mean?
With CHADEMA out and ACT’s candidacy in dispute, CCM heads into the October 29th polls with limited opposition
With CHADEMA out and ACT’s candidacy in dispute, CCM heads into the October 29th polls with limited opposition
The High Court in Manyara has overturned the Registrar’s decision that had blocked CHADEMA’s state subsidy and refused to recognize its Secretary General and five Central Committee members. The ruling restores both the party’s leadership and funding, although CHADEMA is still barred from the presidential race.
According to CHADEMA, elections cannot be free or fair without first carrying out Electoral Reforms to strengthen the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) and restore public trust.
Jaji Mwanga amekuwa akisimamia kesi hiyo tangu ilipotajwa kwa mara ya kwanza mnamo Aprili 17, 2025. Hata hivyo, Juni 23 mwaka huu, walalamikaji walimuandikia barua ya kumtaka ajitoe katika kesi hiyo, wakidai upendeleo na mgongano wa kimaslahi.
Wakati wengi walitarajia angerejea katika ulingo wa kisiasa kwa mtindo mpya, Mbowe amebaki kivuli cha kile kilichowahi kuwa sauti kali ya upinzani Tanzania.
The court ruled that Lissu’s petition should have been filed after the main case was concluded.
Licha ya kutohukumiwa, Lissu amedai amekuwa akishikiliwa kwenye eneo maalum la wafungwa wanaosubiri kunyongwa (death row) ndani ya Gereza la Ukonga jijini Dar es Salaam.
The plaintiffs claim that CHADEMA has failed to uphold principles of equality within its ranks, citing unequal distribution of party resources between the mainland and Zanzibar. In their court filings, they allege discrimination based on region, religion and gender and argued that party members from Zanzibar are denied opportunities for leadership and participation.
TLS President Boniface Mwabukusi clarified that the activists were not deported but are currently being held by the Tanzanian Immigration Department
The European Parliament also voiced its opposition to the death penalty, calling for the Tanzanian government to stop its crackdown on opposition parties, civil society and journalists.